Volleyball: Incarnate Word hires former Florida standout

Ziva Recek-Blackmon was the AVCA national freshman of the year and a three-time All-American while playing at Florida. Photo by University of Florida

Ziva Recek-Blackmon, one of the most accomplished volleyball players in the University of Florida’s history, has been hired as an assistant coach at the University of Incarnate Word.

“Ziva is going to be a huge addition to our program,” UIW coach Samantha Dabbs, a former Churchill standout, said in a press release. “She has played at the highest level internationally and collegiately and brings a wealth of knowledge of the all-around game. Ziva is going to train our pin hitters and blocking schemes. She is also going to assist with training the middles.”

Recek-Blackmon, a native of Slovenia, was named AVCA national freshman of the year in 2012 after racking up 440 kills, 259 digs, 41 blocks and 23 aces. She was a three-time All-American with the Gators and amassed 1,182 kills, 803 digs, 147 blocks and 75 aces. Florida compiled a 108-20 record and advanced to the regional final twice and regional semifinal once during Recek-Blackmon’s four-year tenure.

A 6-foot outside hitter who spent the past two years as a high school and club coach in Gainesville, Florida, Recek-Blackmon, 24, played for Slovenia’s indoor and beach national teams.

“Ziva brings so much to the table and is going to be great with our players,” Dabbs said. “She will be able to relate to them more, being younger herself, and just her appreciation of the game and her huge smile is so contagious.”